Introduction

Basic Life Support (BLS) is performed to support the patient’s circulation and respiration through the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until advanced life support arrives. Victims who have had early and correct BLS intervention will be better oxygenated and are more likely to respond to advanced techniques to revive them, thereby increasing their chance of survival.

BLS is the core of any resuscitation attempt, key elements include:

• Prompt recognition of cardiac arrest

• Call for urgent medical assistance

• Early effective CPR with an emphasis on minimal disruptions to compressions

• Early defibrillation

• Early advanced life support

• Integrated post-cardiac arrest care